Though nothing to do with Bob Dylan, this story about Van Morrison was linked on the Expecting Rain site today. It’s from the Guardian, and in fact is more about an artist called Cecil McCartney, who seems to cultivate both the business and friendship of celebrities. He had a “falling out,” allegedly, with Van Morrison in 1989, over a curious point of theology.

Morrison fell out with McCartney in 1989 following a row over whether Myra Hindley, the Moors murderer, could be forgiven for her sins. During a heated debate inside the Crawfordsburn Inn in Co Down, McCartney cast doubt on the sincerity of her conversion. This prompted Morrison, a committed born-again Christian who believes in the ‘cleansing power of the blood’, to throw his keys at his friend and storm out. The two men have not spoken since.

So (if you believe any of it) Van Morrison has refused to forgive his friend for claiming that Jesus’ capacity for forgiveness is not limitless.

Later:

“The fall-out broke my heart because I was like his big brother. When we met I was 24 and he was only 18. I can remember we used to chase girls in my mini-van.

“All I can say to him is ‘here’s to another 20 albums in the future.’ It’s about time we talked things through although it’s entirely up to him to make the move.”

Hmm. I’m sure that Van the Man is charmed at having the whole episode blared in the headlines like this. He’s probably ordering flowers for this McCartney fellow right now. (For his funeral, that is.) What I’m wondering is: Did Van ever get his keys back?

This all reminds me that I’m really looking forward to Van Morrison’s next album. I’ve heard some teasers via the internet already and it sounds fabulous. It’s basically old country songs with a couple of originals thrown in. Out on March 7th. (Wouldn’t be surprised if it gets a spin on Dylan’s new radio show, which debuts in March.) Get one before they’re all gone.

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